Construction Business Review

Action Dry
A Trailblazing Path to Mould-Free Living

Andy Habbershaw, Action Dry | Construction Business Review | Mould Remediation and Testing Company of the Year in EuropeAndy Habbershaw, Managing Director
Mould remediation is akin to navigating a minefield, where success demands more than merely erasing visible damage. It's a journey into the heart of the problem, uncovering and addressing the root causes to transform homes back into sanctuaries of normality and comfort. This meticulous process requires a masterful understanding of mould remediation and a dedication to the highest industry standards.

In the high-stakes arena of property restoration, Action Dry stands as a hallmark of expertise and reliability. Grounded in a scientific approach, it offers a comprehensive suite of services, including mould remediation, cutting-edge testing and advanced property drying, each meticulously designed to address every aspect of the issue. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Suhail Ahmed, Action Dry’s scientific team transforms mould remediation into a precise science, employing innovative techniques to ensure every home is restored with the utmost attention to safety and health.

At the helm of the recovery team is managing director Andy Habbershaw, who brings nearly 50 years of hands-on experience, exemplified by his pivotal role on the steering panel for the British Standard PAS 64, the code of practice for mitigating and recovering water-damaged buildings. His son, Alex Habbershaw, brings fresh perspectives and advanced US qualifications, introducing state-of-the-art remediation techniques to the UK market and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry innovation.

"Everything we do is backed by science, demonstrating that we restore homes and properties to normality and the highest possible standards," says Habbershaw.

From Awareness to Action

Action Dry proactively addresses mould and mycotoxins, challenges heightened by modern construction practices and increased indoor living, using advanced testing solutions and innovative strategies. While some people believe that mould has always been around and isn't a significant problem, the reality is that the dangers of mould and mycotoxins are often misunderstood, especially with the changing dynamics of the built environment. Modern homes, designed for energy efficiency and airtightness, inadvertently create ideal breeding grounds for mould. Increased indoor time heightens exposure to mould spores and mycotoxins, posing serious health risks. This lack of awareness is further complicated by misinformation and misleading advice online, creating a landscape of misconceptions that Action Dry aims to clarify and address.

A poignant example that brought this issue to the forefront is the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, a young vulnerable boy who succumbed to long-term mould exposure in his home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for accurate information and effective remediation – especially for the vulnerable section of society.

The team at Action Dry invests significant time and resources in providing scientifically grounded, evidence-based solutions, serving as a reliable counterpoint to widespread misinformation. Their expertise in mould intricacies and effective resolution is valuable when specific testing is required to settle disputes. The comprehensive services include real-time Mouldscope® aerobiological assessments, mould-specific PCR DNA speciation, respirable and environmental mycotoxin testing and advanced testing for airborne contaminants, encompassing thorough IAQ and VOC testing.

  • Everything we do is backed by science, demonstrating that we restore homes and properties to normality and the highest possible standards

Clients worldwide seek their testing services specifically for UK properties. Distinguishing the company in the industry is its unique real-time testing technology, exclusive to the military within the UK. In addition, they are collaborating with an Australian scientific team to develop a groundbreaking respirable mycotoxin test. This innovative test is poised to revolutionize mould testing by detecting mycotoxins in the air, the primary route of exposure. Current research indicates that mycotoxin levels in water-damaged homes often exceed the exposure thresholds set by the WHO for foodstuffs, highlighting a significant health and safety concern.

Recognizing the severity of this issue, Action Dry is actively engaging with the UK government to address the threat. Harnessing its expertise and innovative testing methods, Action Dry is at the forefront of safeguarding public health from the dangers of mould and mycotoxins.

"Our goal is to ensure that proper measures are taken to protect individuals from the potentially harmful effects of mould and mycotoxins," says Habbershaw.

It also adeptly handles the challenges of climate change, where prolonged, wetter winters and unpredictable summers prevent properties from drying out thoroughly. New constructions often rush through the drying phase, leading to future mould issues. Action Dry steps in with a cutting-edge arsenal, including state-of-the-art Convectant and Hydronic trailer heat drying systems, ensuring rapid and efficient drying.

Action Dry's comprehensive, evidence-based approach reassures all stakeholders—homeowners, tenants and property managers—that the affected property is restored to normalcy.

Setting the Benchmark for Excellence

Backed by a team of seasoned experts with many decades of experience, Action Dry is equipped to handle any site problem. The team’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices ensures that their work avoids adding to the toxic burden within properties. Deeply aligned with the company’s mission, they focus on minimizing exposure risks and ensuring that every remediation project adheres to the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
The team has developed a meticulous process tailored to meet specific clients’ goals. The steps involved vary depending on the desired outcome, whether it's a straightforward removal of visible mould for a house builder or construction company or a comprehensive restoration to normalcy for a home where mould has developed over time due to ventilation issues or other defects. Addressing the latter scenario is complex and requires specialized knowledge.

Action Dry offers comprehensive training courses to educate clients and their teams about the complexities of mould issues. While many clients may be familiar with water damage and its effects, understanding mould is a far more nuanced subject. It requires thorough knowledge due to the potential for personal injury claims, which are increasingly becoming a concern in the UK. Through these training sessions, Action Dry aims to equip clients with the necessary expertise to handle mould-related challenges effectively and safely. This commitment to education and safety underscores its dedication to excellence and proactive approach to preventing future issues in the properties it services.

Action Dry's focus on quality, innovation and exceptional customer service positions it as a trailblazer in the industry. Its dedication to problem-solving makes it a trusted partner for clients seeking reliable and innovative remediation services.